A single-celled parasite that inhabits the intestines of various mammals causing diarrhea. It is common in natural bodies of water such as lakes, streams or untreated drinking wells.

These micro-organisms occur in warm blooded animals and can sometimes find their way into the way supply. Disinfection and treatment processes normally inactivate or remove them from the water.

a protozoal parasite capable of infecting man and causing diarrhoea.

A parasite that attaches to the intestinal lining, destroying tissue and preventing the absorption of nutrients. If your dog has more than one of these symptoms - : diarrhoea, weight loss, depression, decreased appetite, vomiting, dull coat, flaky skin - take a small stool sample to your veterinarian to be checked under a microscope for Giardia.

Giardia is a microscopic intestinal parasite that lives in many of Colorado's mountain streams. The most common symptom is loose, watery diarrhea. Oral medications are available that may help control the parasite.

a suspected cause of diarrhea in humans

a commonly occurring monocellular parasite found in the intestinal tract of most domestic animals

an octoflagellated protozoan spread usually by infested water and occasionally by food or sexual contact

a very common parasite in Colorado

A microorganism that is commonly found in untreated surface water and can be removed by filtration. It is resistant to disinfectants such as chlorine.

A chlorine-resistant protozoan that makes its way into municipal water facilities. The protozoan can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.

A microbiological cyst, or parasite, found in lakes and rivers that can infect humans and cause gastrointestinal illness

"A one-celled microscopic parasite that can live in the intestines of animals and people and is transmitted through feces. It is found in every region throughout the world and has become recognized as one of the most common causes of non-bacterial diarrhea in North America. Major outbreaks are associated with contaminated water systems that have a defect in the filtration system." USFDA - Bad Bug Book

The organism found in untreated water, responsible for causing giardiasis.

An organism which causes potentially severe gastro-intestinal problems, for example vomiting and diarrhoea, when ingested. It is spread by poor hygiene practices. To avoid it, treat all water (by boiling, filtering, or chemical treatment) before drinking. More information: minor hazards

The genus name for a group of single-celled, flagellated, pathogenic protozoas found in a variety of vertebrates, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. These organisms exist either as trophozoites or as cysts, depending on the stage of the life cycle.

A genus of protozoa that infect the gastrointestinal tract of some animals, including humans. Giardia have a large sucking disk which permits them to adhere to the intestinal lining. The species that infects humans (and causes diarrhea ) is Giardia lamblia . See the entire definition of Giardia

A chlorine-resistant cyst which contains parasites. If ingested, giardia can cause disease with symptoms of severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea.

A parasite found in some surface waters that can cause a gastrointestinal illness if ingested. Unlike Cryptosporidium, Giardia-related illnesses are not life threatening to sensitive persons.

a protozoan that causes stomach and intestinal illness.

Giardia is a protozoan parasite affecting the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. They are shed in feces in the form of a cyst. They can remain dormant for long periods in the cyst form; they then become active upon entering a host.

A common waterborne protozoan that forms cysts and is resistant to disinfectants such as chlorine and ultraviolet light.

A a microscopic parasite that can infect warm-blooded animals and humans. Giardia is protected by an outer shell called a cyst that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time. If viable cysts are ingested, Giardia can cause the illness known as Giardiasis, an intestinal illness that can cause nausea, anorexia, fever, and severe diarrhea. The symptoms last for several days only and the body can naturally rid itself of the parasite in one to two months. However, for individuals with weakened immune systems the body often cannot rid itself of the parasite without medical treatment.